Homeowner confronts burglary suspects in Orange County

According to a news release from the Orange County Sheriff's Office, an armed homeowner confronted two people he caught attempting to burglarize his home.

On June 18, 2013 at 10:40 p.m., Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to 3200 Lakeview Cutoff in Vidor concerning a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, deputies met with the homeowner who advised he was getting ready for bed when he heard a vehicle driving between his residence and his metal shop. The homeowner said he looked out the window and observed a purple Chevrolet truck drive to the rear of his shop next to his residence. The homeowner dialed 911 and then obtained a firearm and went outside to confront the suspected burglars.

The homeowner confronted the suspects and attempted to hold them at gunpoint until deputies could arrive on the scene. The suspects were identified as Cecil Mitchell, 40, of Vidor, and Sabrina Pantely, 45, of Vidor. When confronted by the homeowner, Mitchell got into the truck and attempted to leave and the homeowner advised that he shot out both passengers’ side tires on the vehicle in an attempt to keep the suspect from leaving. The suspect drove the vehicle onto Lakeview Cutoff and fled the scene with two flat tires. Pantely remained at the scene until deputies arrived.

Once Deputies arrived, the homeowner was able to check his metal building and determined that the lock on the south side door had been cut off of the building using a pair of bolt cutters that were found lying on the ground next to the broken padlock. No property was missing from the building as the homeowner confronted the suspects before they were able to remove any property.

Pantely was arrested for attempted burglary of a building and transported to the Orange County Jail. Bond was set at $2500. Mitchell fled the scene and was not yet located. Police say charges are currently pending on Mitchell.